We all know of a roadside diner that serves up a specialty, which is an experience all on its own. Some places are known for their chili or sliders, while others focus on a specific side dish. It seems like most places find at least one menu item that becomes synonymous with their name. The same can be said for Christy’s Tasty Queen, located at 1405 S 55th Street in Turner, Kansas. This diminutive stop beckons diners with freshly fried menu items and cold sugary treats. It is also home to a tenderloin sandwich that has a following of its own and made it a Turner tradition.
Standing Room Only
On any given day it would not be unusual to be greeted by the owner. The family is very involved in the local community, and you will often see flyers for various fundraisers and events plastered to the windows. Seating at Christy’s Tasty Queen is not a problem, as there is none on the inside. On the outside, you will find a picnic table, but most people choose to eat in their cars or take the food to go. During the lunch rush, this place can be a madhouse, as people flock here from the local businesses and schools.
Turner Tradition
If you ask a regular at Christy’s Tasty Queen what the specialty is, the answer would probably come out, the pork tenderloin sandwich. This sandwich has a bun that is about 5″ across, but it is dwarfed by the huge breaded slab of meaty goodness. It takes a strategic plan to attack this sandwich, and many find themselves having to divide to conquer. When coupled with fries, or better yet onion rings, this combination will satisfy all but the most hearty of appetites. Add a thick, creamy shake and you have a lunch that will create envy among your co-workers.
Familiar Eats
Christy’s Tasty Queen carries an assortment of other finger-ready foods. Most are not anywhere near the realm of health food status, but the food is very flavorful. They open at 10:00 am on Monday through Saturday, and close around 7:00 pm, except for their 3:00 closing time on Saturdays. They are not open on Sundays, which is probably spent devising their next delicious menu addition. So why not drop by our neck of the woods, and give them a try. We think you will be hooked on this Turner Tradition.
Such a great place! The Tenderloin to die for. Also the Italian steak is wonderful. Thanks for posting about it. Go there at least once a month.
Glad you enjoy it, Pat. It is certainly a KCK classic.
I like the new format.
God Bless
Michael Walters ( sutton)
Thanks. We are really enjoying all of the new found freedom that it offers. It is also forcing me to become a better writer.
Thank you Jeff, that was awesome. I really appreciate you writing such a nice article. I think we owe you and Crystal a tenderloin!
I’m glad you liked the article. It seems to be well received, which tells us that many people love your restaurant. Keep up the great job.
One the last dying breed a family owned small business eatery good food done by great people
How true, although there are still some to be found with a little research. That is why our blog tries to include some of these smaller businesses. They are just regular people trying to make a living doing something they love.
best cokes, icecream, shakes burgers, tacos, tenderloins…
The list goes on and on. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks Jeff andCrystal , I sure enjoy going to Christy when ever I get to come to KC one of my favorite spots ,tenderloins favorite and black raspberry shake yum,yum
You are welcome. We look forward to your next visit.
Thanks Jeff andCrystal well what more can I say I love going to Christy , love their onion rings
Yes, they are some of the best around.
It’s always amazing I love exspecislly the crushed ice for.pops lol and the best cheese.poppers
Yes it is. We stopped by today, and the same good food as always.
The tenderloin is THE BEST! So are the cherry limeaides!
Spot on. Of course don’t forget the shakes.
location? thanks.
oops. never mind. missed it in the text
We hope you find in in person, and let us know what you ordered.
WHAT A PLACE. GREAT FOOD FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. SERVICE IS EXCELLENT.
Glad you are a fan of them. Thanks for the comment.
It’s been a family tradition For the Neal’s !
I live in FL now but when I come back to KC, I always stop there and get the Tenderloin sammich. Went to school with the owners boy, great place to eat.
Who could pass up such a delicious treat? Glad you still find them delicious.
I went there in the 70s when I went to Turner and we would go across the street for lunch.excellent food back then
I have three older siblings who all went to Turner in the ’70s. I would bet that they agree.
Worked at Christy’s when I was 13.Thats when the Lauders owned it. The food was great then, which was 52 years ago. Live in Turner have been here all my life. Still eat there at least once a week. I have known the owners for a long time. THE FOOD IS THE BEST, TENDERLOIN IS THE GREATEST…
A little before the time I started visiting but shows just how long this place has been a local favorite.
This was my favorite haunt for soft ice cream while I was growing up in the 50s. My mom woould buy it by the gallon and it would be scarfed down by my brother and friends before I would get a chance!!
It’s good to know that they have always been a source of delicious soft-serve ice cream.
Christy’s is my favorite places I haven’t been there in a while. I grew up in Turner but moved away. That is my aunt and uncle’s place the tenderloin is my favorite with onion rings and the best chocolate Pepsi ever made
Never sampled a chocolate Pepsi, but we can certainly vouch for their shakes.
Why ever would you write a post about an iconic sandwich and use a photo of a different sandwich?
The article isn’t about a specific sandwich. It’s about a type of restaurant that was commonplace at one time, but has become rare.